Review: The Help

Ever since I saw the preview for The Help, I knew it was a movie I had to see. It is a period piece based on the book, The Help, by Kathryn Stockett, and features Academy Award-nominated actress Viola Davis, Emma Stone, and Octavia Spencer.

Set in the 1960s during a time a great racial segregation in the South, The Help is an inspiring movie about the love, the hate, and the bonds between Black maids and those whom they work for. In 1960s Jackson, Mississippi, a young aspiring writer and college graduate, Skeeter (Emma Stone) is looking for an interesting project to kick-off her writing career. After being raised herself by a Black maid and seeing the kids of her friends in the same situation, Skeeter decides she wants to write a book about life as a Black maid; raising White children while their own children are at home being watched by others, the treatment and racial prejudices against them, and the trials and tribulations of being Black in the South.

Skeeter first interviews Aibileen (Viola Davis) and Minny (Octavia Spencer), but realizes she needs more stories in order to bring the book to press. Many maids do not want to be involved for fear that their families may be hurt by airing the dirty laundry of Southern White household. However, after a few racial incidences that occur in the town, these maids decide to stand up for their race and speak out against their White employers. As the book is published, people cannot get enough of the interesting and candid stories, and the women of Jackson become stunned by the narratives.

It's a awe-inspiring story about  race, people, family, surprising friendships, and courage. In this story, you see all the heart and passion in these maids, and how they took a stand, risking everything, to help their community. Although it may seem like just a book of stories, you see these stories help heal a community and encourage others to stand for what they believe in. By the end of the movie, you will be in tears.

Overall, this was an incredible movie and I recommend that everyone go see it! I give it FOUR Stars and TWO thumbs up!

Did you see any movies this weekend? Or, your thoughts on The Help?